76ers' Thin Frontcourt Meets a Banged-Up Nets Backcourt in Brooklyn

Both teams enter this preseason matchup with injury questions, but Philadelphia's frontline may still give it an edge.

PHI @ BKN Oct 8, 2026 at 11:30 PM UTC

Preseason games are about evaluation, and this one in Brooklyn will test how Philadelphia handles a suddenly thin center rotation. Ariel Hukporti is out after an MRI confirmed a torn right Achilles tendon, which ESPN says requires surgery. That removes the 76ers' backup center before the regular season even begins.

The problem is compounded by the rest of the group. Adem Bona is dealing with a foot injury and has not yet joined training camp. Tacko Fall, who is competing for the open two-way spot, is questionable with a hip issue and will be reevaluated in about 7-10 days. Beyond Joel Embiid, the listed frontcourt options are Dean Wade, Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker. Philadelphia is also $1.8 million below the first apron, so adding a center means waiving a player or making a small trade. Expect plenty of smaller looks and some creative minutes from the forwards.

Brooklyn has its own concerns. Mikel Brown Jr. (ankle) and Joshua Jefferson (back) are both questionable, and both missed the Nets' previous preseason game. If they sit again, Brooklyn will have less ball-handling and forward depth to challenge a Philadelphia group that has drawn a favorable ranking for its new-look starting five.

The 76ers' center shortage is a real vulnerability, but it matters more over a long season than in a preseason game where rotations are fluid. The Nets' guard and forward absences could hurt their ability to create consistent offense. I give Philadelphia a narrow edge because its top-end talent should be the steadier of the two groups. Expect a choppy, rotation-heavy game that tightens late.

Prediction: 76ers 108, Nets 104.

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